Sexton strike grabs the win in dramatic finish

Another sunny Saturday saw another home game for Ipswich Women’s 1st team as they took on London Wayfarers, looking to claim all three points following a disappointing result when the teams met last season.

Ipswich started slowly and were soon under pressure and sat deep in defence. Defenders Kat Blake, Ellie Scott and player of the match Frankie Konrath kept Wayfarers at bay.

Wayfarers came at Ipswich hard, winning a number of penalty corners. But they were no problem for May Percival who charged repeatedly down the line of the ball making strong blocks to ensure there were no shots on target.

Ipswich slowly gained in confidence and started to string passes together through the midfield of Holly Wills, Hollie Dring-Richardson, Emma Rix and Sophie Sexton.

But Ipswich could not prevent the oncoming Wayfarers and despite some solid saves by GK Ali Barham, Wayfarers got on the scoresheet first with a neat drag flick deflected into the goal.

It was this which seemed to spur Ipswich on and following the half time break, the team worked together to pressure Wayfarers. Taylor Ball was through on goal and about to take the strike when she was fouled and awarded a penalty stroke. Lizzy Wheelhouse stepped up confidently and slotted the ball firmly into the goal to bring the teams level.

It looked to be only a matter of time before Ipswich would score again, with Liv Greaves, Phoenix Page and India Goodman piling forwards. It was Poppy Dring-Richardson who won the team two penalty corners with Sexton converting to give Ipswich the lead for the first time with 1min 30s to go.

With Wayfarers on the receiving end of a yellow card, all Ipswich had to do was stay strong and control the game to take the three points. Konrath continued to run at the opposition from the back causing constant problems for the retreating team.

A lapse in concentration allowed Wayfarers to break through with Barham forced into action for a final time, but Ipswich were more than up to the challenge and confidently took the win placing them 4th in the Vitality East Conference.

The team travel away to Southgate next week where they will again be looking to top last season and clinch a win against a strong side.
Pic Credit. Kenny McLeigh